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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Valerie Massey Goree {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Valerie...

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe. She attended a Christian university in the USA and then returned to Zimbabwe with her husband, Glenn, where they served as missionaries.

After they settled back in Texas, Valerie served 25 years in the public school system, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, she resides in the Texas Hill Country with Glenn, two dogs, and two cats, and spends her time writing and spoiling her grandchildren.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?

...Many years ago I took a course on writing for children, but my family and career took precedence and I didn’t pursue that avenue. Later, I purchased a word processor – that tells you how long ago - and wrote my first novel. That story has not been published (yet), but I learned a lot from the experience. I discovered a ‘need’ to write, and to include a spiritual thread of forgiveness in each story. Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why? ...My favorite novel is always the one I’m working on.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest? ...The hardest thing for me is marketing. I find it difficult to promote my own creations. The easiest part is developing stories. I love to create characters, settings, and intriguing plot lines.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it? ...I love creating the first line of each novel. Years go when I wrote in first person, I wanted to begin a story with: ‘I had been in the Witness Protection Program for three years when . . .’ That is the background for Weep in the Night. Sadie’s identity is compromised and she has to trust a man she’s just met to keep her safe as she travels back to California. I’m currently working on the standalone sequel to Weep in the Night.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? ...I love Sadie. She’s tough, courageous, but has lost so much. Her spiritual and personal growth throughout the story is an inspiration.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? ...Never give up. No matter your circumstances, God will always help you overcome.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? ...First, I want to provide a get-away place. Then I want my readers to identify with the characters because they face everyday situations and problems, but they survive. Usually one character has to deal with forgiveness, and also learns that God forgives us and craves our devotion.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? ...Keep writing! After a rejection, it’s very easy to give up, but we can only improve by ‘practicing’ our craft.

You

Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentine’s Day?? ...Chocolates.

On Valentine’s Day would you rather stay in or go out? ...Stay in, sitting beside my hubby, enjoying a movie.

**Leave a comment below to win a print copy of Weep In The Night **

[US Residents Only]

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I'm so glad you could visit us here at Thinking Thoughts today, Valerie! First off, I had no idea you were born in South Africa and were a missionary in Zimbabwe! That's amazing :) I know what you mean about your current work being your favorite...I usually feel that, or somethings the work I haven't written yet--is that possible? Ha! Great choice on the chocolate answer...I hope your husband reads this in time for Valentines Day (though I'm sure he already knows). Thanks again for the offering of a giveaway copy - make sure you leave comments, dear readers!!!